ليجيانغ (丽江)

Lijiang is the crown jewel of Yunnan tourism — and for good reason. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking.

Lijiang Old Town (Dayan)

A 1,000-year-old maze of cobblestone lanes, canals, and traditional Naxi architecture. The Naxi people are one of China's 56 recognised ethnic groups, with their own language and a matriarchal culture. Wander the canals at dawn before the crowds arrive — the alleys are lined with wooden houses draped in trailing flowers, and the sound of water follows you everywhere. Sifang Street (Square Market) is the heart of the old town.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan)

The mountain dominates the skyline in Lijiang — an 18,000-foot peak that's snow-capped year-round. Take the cable car to Spruce Meadow (3,200m) for spectacular views without the altitude sickness risk. The higher Glacier Park cable car goes to 4,506m — bring oxygen. The Impression Lijiang outdoor show, directed by Zhang Yimou, is performed against the mountain backdrop.

Shuhe Ancient Town

A quieter, less commercialised version of the Old Town, about 4km northwest of Dayan. The tea horse trail heritage is more visible here — Shuhe was an important stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It's the perfect escape when Dayan feels too busy.

Lugu Lake

A stunning turquoise lake on the border with Sichuan, home to the Mosuo people — China's last matriarchal society, sometimes called the 'Kingdom of Women'. It's a 4-hour drive from Lijiang. Stay overnight in a traditional Mosuo house and take a boat ride on the lake at sunrise. The scenery is unforgettable.

Shangri-La (Zhongdian)

About 3 hours north of Lijiang by bus, Shangri-La (officially Shangri-La City since 2001) sits at 3,300m elevation and feels like Tibetan China. The Songzanlin Monastery — the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan — is the main attraction. The old town burned down in 2014 but has been rebuilt. This is Yunnan's high country — cold, spiritual, and completely different from the lowlands.

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